At least 55 killed in Israeli strikes, Palestinian authorities report

At least 55 bodies have been recovered by rescue teams in Gaza, following the latest Israeli airstrikes, Palestinian authorities reported on Friday.

Dozens remain trapped under rubble, a spokesman for the Hamas-controlled civil defence said.

The Palestinian news agency Wafa reported that more than 10 houses were hit in the city of Beit Lahia and the Jabalia refugee district. It said that Israel used war planes, helicopters, drones and naval vessels in the attack.

Ambulances are currently unable to reach the area due to destroyed roads, it added. On social media footage circulated purportedly showing images of the attacks' victims. The information could not initially be independently verified.

Israel's military stated, upon request, that it was investigating the report.

The Israeli news site ynet, citing security officials, reported that the massive attacks in recent days were a preparation for the deployment of additional troops. The Israeli government recently announced plans to expand its operations in the Gaza Strip.

On Thursday, Palestinian reports indicated that dozens of people were killed in Israeli attacks.

Many relatives of hostages still held by Islamist groups in the blockaded coastal territory fear that the military action could also endanger the lives of the captives.

The Hostage Families Forum once again called on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to enable an agreement with Hamas for a ceasefire and the release of the hostages.

"We are in dramatic hours that will decide the future of our loved ones, the future of Israeli society and the future of the Middle East," it said.